New York Rangers captain Ryan Callahan would love to be ready for the season opener against the Phoenix Coyotes, but he doesn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up.

Callahan tells Jim Cerny at Blueshirts United he’s gunning to be back in the lineup, but says the possibility of that happening isn’t looking too good.

“I’m trying to work my way back as soon as I can here with rehab and strengthening my shoulder,” explained Callahan. “I’m not going to put anything out of my mind until that day (opening night) has passed. I think there’s a slim chance that could happen, but I’m not going to say ‘No’ until that day has passed.”

Starting off the season without one of their top forwards isn’t optimal, especially with Derek Stepan still as yet unsigned, but now the onus is on Rick Nash and Brad Richards to come flying out of the gates to get the team off on the right foot.